Nantucket Distributing Recalls Pre-Lit Christmas Trees Due to Fire Hazard (Recall Alert)

What was recalled

In January 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant safety recall involving pre-lit artificial Christmas trees distributed by Nantucket Distributing. This action was taken to address a specific and potentially dangerous defect found in these holiday decorations. The recalled items are specifically identified as artificial Colorado Spruce trees that stand approximately 6½ feet tall. These trees feature green foliage and come pre-strung with five multi-colored incandescent globe light strands, designed to provide festive illumination without the need for separate wiring or plug-in extensions.

To help consumers identify whether they own one of these affected units, the recall notice provides precise physical and packaging details. The SKU/UPC code associated with this product is 31738736. This identification number is located on the price tag that is affixed directly to the product’s original packaging. If you purchased a tree matching this description and carrying this specific code, it falls under the scope of this recall notice. It is important to note that while the brand associated with the distribution is Nantucket Distributing, consumers may have encountered these products under retail branding.

The affected trees were sold at Christmas Tree Shops locations across the United States. The recall applies to units sold during the holiday season leading up to and including the date of the announcement on January 12, 2017. Nantucket Distributing has stated that they contacted all known purchasers of the recalled product. Furthermore, the company reports that all trees sold to consumers have been returned. Because the firm has already completed this retrieval process, no active refund or replacement program is currently being managed for new claims; however, the product remains officially classified as recalled due to the underlying safety hazard.

This recall highlights the importance of verifying product identification numbers even after the holiday season has passed. Defects in electrical components of holiday decor can persist long after purchase if not properly addressed. By clearly defining the physical characteristics—such as the 6½-foot height, the Colorado Spruce style, and the specific SKU/UPC—the CPSC ensures that consumers can accurately determine if their item is part of this specific batch. If you have any remaining questions about whether your tree was part of this distribution, you may contact Christmas Tree Shops toll-free at 888-287-3232 or via email at bargains@christmastreeshops.com for further clarification.

The hazard, explained

At first glance, a pre-lit artificial Christmas tree is a convenience that brings warmth and tradition to the holidays. However, in this specific recall involving Nantucket Distributing’s Colorado Spruce trees, the very feature meant to save you time—the integrated lighting system—becomes the source of danger due to a critical failure in its electrical safety component: the fuse. The core issue here is not that the lights will fail to turn on, but rather how they behave when something goes slightly wrong with the electrical current. Inside these trees are five strands of multi-colored incandescent globe lights. Incandescent bulbs work by passing electricity through a thin filament until it glows hot. Because they generate significant heat and draw specific amounts of power, they require protective fuses to prevent the wiring from overheating if there is a surge or a short circuit.

The hazard arises because the fuse on these particular trees is defective. In a properly functioning electrical system, a fuse acts as a "sacrificial" link. If too much current flows through the circuit—for instance, due to a voltage spike from your home’s power grid or a minor fault within the light strand itself—the fuse is designed to melt and break the connection immediately. This cuts off the electricity and stops the flow of energy before any damage can occur. However, in this recalled product, the fuse does not blow when it should. Instead of breaking the circuit during an overload, the fuse allows excess current to continue flowing unchecked. This causes the electrical components, including the wires leading up to the fuse and the bulb sockets themselves, to overheat dangerously.

This overheating is what creates the fire risk. When electrical wires are forced to carry more current than they are rated for, the insulation around them can begin to degrade or melt. We know from incident reports that some of these display trees have already experienced exposed wires, which is a clear sign that the internal insulation has failed due to excessive heat. Once the wire insulation is compromised, the bare metal conductors can come into contact with each other or with nearby combustible materials, such as the dry, artificial needles of the tree itself or any surrounding decorations like curtains and wreaths. This can lead to arcing—sparks jumping across gaps—which can easily ignite the synthetic materials. While no injuries have been reported in this specific case, the potential for a house fire is real and immediate.

It is important to understand that this is not necessarily a sign that the tree is currently on fire or smoking. The defect is latent, meaning it may sit silently in your home until a moment of electrical stress triggers the overheating process. Whether you are plugging the tree into an old outlet, using it alongside other high-draw holiday decorations, or if there is a minor fluctuation in your home’s power supply, the faulty fuse will not protect you. The mechanism is simple but perilous: the safety guard that should stop a problem is actually allowing the problem to grow until it becomes a fire hazard. This is why stopping use immediately is the only safe course of action.

Who is most at risk

While the physical hazard of an overheating fuse can affect anyone who plugs in this specific Nantucket pre-lit Christmas tree, the nature of the danger creates a unique set of vulnerabilities for certain groups. The primary group at immediate risk includes all owners and users of the recalled artificial Colorado Spruce trees, regardless of age or location. Because the defect involves the electrical fuse on the light strands potentially overheating and blowing, any household that has displayed or stored this specific SKU/UPC 31738736 tree is exposed to a fire hazard. This is not a theoretical risk limited to industrial settings; it is a domestic concern for families who have brought holiday cheer into their living rooms during the winter season.

Within that broad group, individuals with limited mobility or sensory impairments may face heightened risks due to the difficulty of noticing early warning signs. The recall data notes reports of blown fuses and exposed wires on display trees, but in a home environment, these issues can develop subtly. An elderly person or someone with reduced dexterity might struggle to safely unplug the tree if the plug becomes hot or if they need to inspect the fuse box located within the light strands. Furthermore, if the fuse fails and causes a short circuit, the resulting spark or heat could be more difficult for an individual with slower reaction times to manage quickly, increasing the potential for property damage before the fire is extinguished.

Children present another significant layer of vulnerability, primarily due to their proximity to the hazard and their developmental inability to fully grasp electrical dangers. Pre-lit trees are often placed in high-traffic areas where children play, making them accessible to curious hands. Although the reported incidents involved blown fuses on store displays rather than direct contact with live wires by consumers, the underlying defect—exposed wires mentioned in the reports—poses a severe electrocution and burn risk if a child were to touch the faulty components. Additionally, young children are less likely to recognize the smell of burning plastic or the subtle warmth of an overheating fuse until it is too late. They may also inadvertently pull on the light strands, exacerbating the exposure of wires that have already been compromised by the defective fuses.

It is important to clarify that while no injuries have been reported in this specific recall as of the January 2017 alert, the potential for harm remains serious. The risk is not just about the fire itself but also about smoke inhalation and the rapid spread of flames in a home decorated with highly flammable materials like artificial needles, tinsel, and paper decorations. Therefore, everyone who owns this product should be considered at risk until they take action. The lack of reported injuries to date should not create a false sense of security; it simply means the defect has not yet resulted in a catastrophic event in the homes of consumers, though the potential for one exists with every use.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

If you are trying to determine whether a pre-lit Christmas tree in your home belongs to this specific recall, you need to look for a very precise combination of details. Because artificial trees can look remarkably similar from across a room, relying on general impressions like "it looks green" or "it is tall" is not enough. You must verify the manufacturer, the specific model style, and, most critically, the unique identification code printed on the packaging. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified this recall as involving products distributed by Nantucket Distributing, but you likely purchased it under the retail brand name associated with the seller. In this case, the consumer contact information points to Christmas Tree Shops, which is where you should focus your attention.

First, examine the physical tree itself. The recalled item is an artificial Colorado Spruce tree. Visually, it will be green in color and stand approximately 6½ feet tall. It is important to note that this specific recall applies only to pre-lit trees. These trees come equipped with five strands of lights that are multi-colored and incandescent, featuring a globe shape. If your tree has LED lights, different bulb shapes, or is a different species of artificial pine or fir, it is likely not part of this particular batch, though you should still exercise caution.

The most definitive way to confirm if your tree is included in this recall is to find the price tag affixed to the product packaging. You need to locate the SKU/UPC code printed on that tag. For this specific recall, the critical identifier is the number 31738736. If you still have the original box or plastic wrapping from when you bought the tree, check it immediately for this number. If you have already unpacked the tree and discarded the packaging, your next step is to contact the retailer directly with as much descriptive information as you can provide, including the date of purchase and any remaining tags.

It is also worth noting that these trees were sold to consumers, and according to the recall facts, all known purchasers have been contacted by the firm. If you bought this tree from a store display rather than directly from a consumer, the situation might be different regarding direct notification, but the hazard remains the same. The recall date for this alert was January 12, 2017. If your tree is older or newer, or if the SKU does not match 31738736 exactly, it may not be covered by this specific action. However, given the fire hazard involved, if you are unsure, it is always safer to stop using the product and seek verification from the manufacturer or retailer before plugging it in again.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

When a recall involves a potential fire hazard, the remedy is rarely about fixing the problem in place; it is about removing the risk entirely and making you whole financially. In this specific case involving Nantucket Distributing’s pre-lit Christmas trees, the company has determined that the underlying issue—the fuse overheating and blowing—is not something that can be safely repaired by the average consumer at home. Attempting to replace a fuse or tinker with the electrical wiring of a decorated tree introduces new risks and is explicitly discouraged. Instead, the manufacturer has taken the proactive step of initiating a full refund process for all affected units.

The good news is that you likely do not need to take the initial burden of contacting them yourself. According to the official recall facts, Nantucket Distributing has already contacted all known purchasers of this specific product line. Furthermore, they have ensured that all trees sold to consumers have been returned. This means the logistical heavy lifting has largely been handled by the retailer and the distributor. If you purchased the tree from a store that participated in this return process, your refund should have been processed automatically or is ready for pickup at the point of sale. You should check your receipts or bank statements to see if a credit has already appeared.

If you are unsure whether you were contacted, or if you purchased the item second-hand and did not receive communication from the manufacturer, you can still access the remedy directly. The designated channel for consumer information and assistance is Christmas Tree Shops. You can reach their support team toll-free at 888-287-3232, available any time of day or night. Alternatively, if you prefer written correspondence or need to provide specific details about your purchase, you may email them at bargains@christmastreeshops.com.

When you contact Christmas Tree Shops, be prepared to verify that you possess the recalled item. As noted in the recall description, this applies specifically to the artificial Colorado Spruce trees that are approximately 6½ feet tall and feature five multi-colored incandescent globe light strands. The most reliable way to confirm your tree is part of this recall is by checking the SKU/UPC code located on the price tag affixed to the original packaging. If your product matches the description and carries the UPC 31738736, you are eligible for the full refund. Do not worry about the condition of the box; even if it is damaged or thrown away, the SKU number on the tag or any remaining proof of purchase from a participating retailer should suffice to process your return. The goal here is to ensure that no one is left holding a potentially dangerous product without financial recourse.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is easy to look at a defective holiday decoration and think, "It’s just a light strand," or "I’ll be careful with it." However, ignoring the recall for these Nantucket Distributing pre-lit Christmas trees carries tangible risks that extend far beyond a simple annoyance. The core issue here is electrical failure within a highly flammable environment. When you choose to keep using a tree with a fuse that can overheat and blow, you are essentially allowing an uncontrolled variable to operate in close proximity to dry pine needles, plastic foliage, and other combustible materials. The consequence of ignoring this warning is not merely a darkened living room; it is the potential for a rapidly escalating house fire.

The specific hazard identified by the CPSC involves the fuse on the product overheating and blowing. While a blown fuse might seem like a minor inconvenience in isolation, the mechanism behind it indicates that the electrical circuit is failing under load or due to a short. The firm has already received seven reports of blown fuses on display trees, which serves as a clear preview of what happens when this defect interacts with standard household power. In many cases, a "blown" fuse in this context may involve arcing or excessive heat generation before the circuit finally breaks. If that heat ignites the nearby plastic globe lights, the multi-colored incandescent strands, or the artificial Colorado Spruce branches themselves, the fire can start silently and spread with alarming speed. Artificial trees are treated with flame retardants, but they are not fireproof, and once a small ignition source is introduced, the dry, static-prone nature of synthetic foliage allows flames to travel quickly up the tree and toward ceilings or nearby curtains.

You might wonder if this is just theoretical risk. The reality is grounded in the physical properties of electricity and combustion. One report of exposed wires was already received by the firm, which is a critical red flag. Exposed wires can easily spark if they come into contact with metal parts of the tree stand or other conductive surfaces. While no injuries have been reported to date, this is largely because most defects are caught before they ignite a full-scale blaze. However, holiday fires are statistically more common and often more severe due to the presence of additional flammables like gifts, wrapping paper, and real trees nearby. By ignoring the recall, you are gambling with your home’s structural integrity and the safety of your family against a known, proven defect. The consequence is not just property damage; it is the loss of irreplaceable memories, heirlooms, and potentially lives in a matter of minutes. The remedy offered—a full refund—is designed to eliminate this risk entirely, making the choice to ignore the recall an unnecessary and dangerous gamble with your home’s safety.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a manufacturing defect in pre-lit trees, the underlying risk of electrical fires during the holiday season is real and widespread. The good news is that many of these hazards are preventable with simple, consistent habits. One of the most critical steps you can take is to treat every strand of lights as a temporary installation rather than a permanent fixture. Over time, the insulation on wires degrades due to bending, stretching, and temperature changes. Before you hang any new or stored lights, lay them out flat on a clean surface and inspect every inch for fraying, cracked sockets, or exposed copper wiring. If you find even a small defect, do not attempt to repair it with tape; replace the strand entirely. A functioning ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet can also serve as a vital backup layer of protection, automatically cutting power if it detects a current leak that might otherwise shock you or ignite nearby materials.

Heat management is equally important when decorating your home. Even modern LED lights generate some warmth, and older incandescent bulbs get significantly hotter. Never drape electrical cords over metal nail hooks or staples, as this can damage the wire’s insulation and create a short circuit. Instead, use plastic clips designed specifically for hanging lights, which keep the wires secure without piercing them. It is also wise to avoid running extension cords under rugs, carpets, or furniture. The pressure from foot traffic or heavy objects can crush the internal wiring, leading to overheating that you cannot see until it is too late. Always ensure that plugs are fully inserted into outlets so they do not arc, which creates intense localized heat.

Finally, remain vigilant about the lifecycle of your holiday decor. Artificial trees and lights have a finite lifespan. If your tree’s needles are brittle and shedding excessively, or if your light strands flicker intermittently, it is time to retire them. These signs indicate that the materials have degraded past safe operating parameters. Make it a habit to check for active recalls from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) before you purchase new decor each year. By staying informed and treating electrical decorations with respect, you can keep your home festive and warm without compromising your family’s safety.